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Ranchers voice concerns on border issues

Sen. Udall's camp meets with rural residents

By Terry Meyers tmeyers@demingheadlight.com @TerryMeyers on Twitter

Posted:
09/12/2013 05:23:01 PM MDT

Ranchers and rural residents voiced concerns about border security issues that they deal with on a daily basis. The Southwest New Mexico Border Security Task Force met with ranchers and rural residents on Wednesday to discuss these concerns at the Deming Special Events Center.

Law enforcement agencies representing Santa Teresa, Deming, Luna County and Lordsburg were in attendance. Field Representative Marco Grajeda was on hand to represent U.S. Senator Tom Udall's office.

Local rancher Joe Johnson spoke about his concerns of illegals that get away from authorities.

"I'm worried this is headed back the way it was not that long ago where hundreds a day came across my ranch," he said. "It impacts my life and it effects my business."

The Border Patrol did not have figures on hand of how many illegals have gotten away, but the statement was made that drug smuggling and illegal crossings have increased between Arizona and Southwest New Mexico.

The Lordsburg Border Patrol Station representative stated they have seen an increase in drugs and illegal behavior along the bootheel. Indications show that illegals know there are better resources available in the U.S. and it is getting harder to get documentation for illegals. Border Patrol agents are preparing for an influx of illegals in anticipation of immigration reform.

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Concerns for law enforcement still stands with the South Texas border which has a large influx of illegals crossing the border.

A July micro burst storm that devastated the village of Columbus and surrounding areas drew attention during the meeting.

U.S. Border Patrol Agent-in-Charge Ronald LeBlanc said U.S. Customs and Border Protection Officers reached out to the community, helping rescue people and assisting those who were displayed from their homes. Approximately 71 homes were affected by the weather phenomena that acted like a tornado. It created a suddent gush of air, mixed with heavy rain, that was forced down and spread along the ground.

LeBlanc indicated that Border Patrol is taking advantage of modern technology through Skype capabilities to interview and interrogate apprehended illegals. LeBlanc said they are able to ask the who, what, when, where, why and how during interviews with distant law enforcement agencies across the border states.

U.S. Customs Columbus Port of Entry Director Robert Reza reported that they had recently met with Deming Public Schools officials to address the student IDs used by children that are American Citizens, but live in Palomas, Chihuahua, Mexico. He stated they have increased staff for students from 6 a.m. to 7:30 a.m. on school days. Children wear picture IDs around their necks to make it easier for Customs agents to read.

"We do random inbound backpack checks and we are doing more outbound checking," Reza said.

Columbus Border Patrol recently installed a new outbound canopy. The officers also have a new Z-Portal at there entry system which allows for better x-rays of vehicles.